Starting 1 January 2025, South Australia will have new rules for what happens to a person’s things after they die. If you live in South Australia or you’re planning your will, you should know about these changes because they could affect you or someone you care about.

The reason for the changes is simple: the old rules were confusing and didn’t make sense anymore. The new laws aim to be clearer and fairer for everyone involved. Let’s break down what these changes are and how they will affect you.

1. What Happens to Your Will?

Under the new rules, more people will be able to see a person’s will before it is officially approved. This is a big change because before, it was often a secret until the will was confirmed.

Who can see the will?

• Family members
• People who are mentioned in the will
• Anyone who might have a claim on the person’s things

ORB Lawyers can help you understand how this works and make sure your will is clear. If you’re making or updating a will, it’s a good idea to talk to ORB Lawyers so they can help guide you through the process and ensure everything is set up correctly. With the new rules, it’s important that your wishes are understood by the right people.

2. What About Inheritance Claims?

Another important change is about inheritance claims. If someone dies and there is a disagreement about who should get what, the wishes of the person who passed away will be very important in making the decision. This means that if you’re a stepchild or grandchild, you may now have new rights when it comes to claiming part of the estate.

ORB Lawyers can explain how this works if you’re concerned about your rights or you want to know how inheritance claims might affect your family. They are experts in succession law and can help you make sure your will is up to date, especially if your family situation is complicated.

3. What Happens if There’s No Will?

Sometimes people die without leaving a will. When that happens, the government has rules about how things should be divided up. The new laws will make these rules clearer and easier to understand. For example, if two people own something together and they die at the same time, the new rules will explain exactly how to divide their things.

If you don’t have a will yet, ORB Lawyers can help you make one that follows the new rules, so your loved ones aren’t left guessing about what you wanted. It’s a good idea to have a clear plan in place to avoid confusion later.

4. Why Are These Changes Happening?

The changes are being made because the old rules were outdated. The new rules will bring South Australia more in line with other parts of Australia, like New South Wales and Victoria, which already have similar laws. This will help make the laws easier to understand, not just for people in South Australia, but for everyone across the country.

ORB Lawyers are here to make sure you understand these changes and how they will affect you. Whether you’re updating your will or helping a family member with their estate, ORB Lawyers can offer expert advice that will help you stay ahead of the changes.

5. How Can You Prepare for These Changes?

The best way to prepare for these changes is to review your will now. If you haven’t made one yet, or if your will isn’t up-to-date, it’s a good time to get in touch with ORB Lawyers. They’ll make sure your will follows the new rules and that your wishes are clear.

If you’re worried about how these changes might affect your family or your estate, ORB Lawyers can help you navigate the new laws and ensure everything is in place before the new rules take effect on 1 January 2025.

In Conclusion:

Changes are coming to South Australia’s succession laws, and it’s important to be prepared. Whether you’re making a will, planning for the future, or helping with a family member’s estate, ORB Lawyers can provide the advice and support you need to make sure everything goes smoothly. Don’t wait until the last minute—contact ORB Lawyers today to get the help you need and stay ahead of the changes.